Italian PM Conte wins backing to extend COVID-19 emergency period

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte addresses the upper house of parliament on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Rome, Italy, July 28, 2020. REUTERS/Remo Casilli

ROME (Reuters) - Italy's upper house of parliament approved on Tuesday a request by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte to extend until Oct. 15 a state of emergency, expanding his government's powers as it tackles the coronavirus health crisis.

Opposition parties had objected, accusing Conte of trying to keep too much power in his own hands despite a dramatic fall in the rate of contagion. However, the upper house Senate passed the measure by 157 votes to 125 in the 319-seat chamber.